Online Economic Calculators

Economic Hardship Deferment Calculator

Subject Area: College Tuition

Description: This calculator helps borrowers determine whether they are likely to qualify for an economic hardship deferment. It implements the federal regulations at 34 CFR 682.210(s)(6) and 34 CFR 674.34(e) and the statute at section 435(o) of the Higher Education Act.

Description: This calculator properly takes into account the information from the bill passed by Congress and signed into law by the President (H.R.5140) and has been verified by CPAs and tax accountants.

Description: Our calculators help you understand energy production and consumption in a whole new way. Use them to develop a personal profile of your own energy use. Types include carbon polluter calculator, electric power pollution calculator, PV system Economics, Solar Water Heating, and What’s a Watt?

Description: Find out how long it will take to become debt free and how much you'll pay in interest by making the minimum monthly payments. You can also crunch the numbers using any fixed payment of your choice. If you tell us when you'd like to pay off the plastic, we'll tell you what payments you'll have to make to achieve that goal. You might be surprised.

Description: When estimating a projected rate of return, keep in mind that the classic portfolio with 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds gained an average of 9% over the past 75 years. We've assumed investors sell 20% of their holding in their taxable accounts each year, incurring short- and long-term capital gains taxes along the way. You can do better if you trade less and hold tax-efficient mutual funds. You should save the maximum allowed in your tax-deferred accounts (such as 401(k)s and IRAs). Because you won't have to pay taxes each year on gains and dividends, money will grow faster. Good luck.

Description: When estimating a projected rate of return, keep in mind that the classic portfolio with 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds has historically returned an average of 9% a year. We've assumed investors sell 20% of holdings in their taxable account every year, incurring long- and short-term taxes along the way. You can reach your goal faster if you trade less and hold tax-efficient mutual funds. In addition, you should save the maximum allowed in your retirement accounts. Because you don't have to pay taxes on gains each year, money will grow faster than in taxable accounts.

Description: To arrive at an "affordable" home price, we followed the guidelines of most lenders. We've allowed a total debt-to-income ratio of no more than 36 percent. And we have assumed a housing payment-to-income ratio of 28% for our conservative estimate, and 33 percent for the aggressive one. Before buying, however, you should also factor in other savings needs, including retirement and college.

Description: Our retirement planner helps you estimate how well your savings program is preparing you for retirement. First we help you figure out how much you'll need. Then we tell you your chances of getting there. And if it looks like you'll fall short, we offer some suggestions for improving your plan.

Description: Any time you compare dollar amounts over time, the amounts should be adjusted for price inflation. With this calculator, you can compare the real buying power of any dollar amount you enter in the box. For example, $100 in 1913 had the same buying power as $1,584.85 in 1996.

Description: The Family Budget Calculator lets you determine the income needed for particular types of families to make ends meet. Because costs of goods and services vary across the U.S., the calculator customizes the budgets for every U.S. community—over 600 in all. Simply select from one of six family types, pick a state, and then select a community to see how much that family is likely to need for housing, food, child care, etc. The calculator also shows the percent and number of families in that state living below the family budget level.

Description: To determine the value of an amount of money in a particular ("original") year compared to another ("desired") year, enter the values in the appropriate places. For example, you may want to know: How much money would you need in the year 2007, to have the same "purchasing power" of $500 in year 1970. If you entered these values in the correct places, you will find that the answer is $2,669.18. You can make this computation among all the years between 1774 and 2007.

Description: Because most economic variables grow over time, the annualized growth rate is a useful computation for comparing rates of growth of a given series for various time periods and of different series over the same time period.

Description: This calculator compares the cost of owning a home relative to renting for a potential new homeowner. The Housing Cost Calculator reports the "Net Cost of Owning" -- the expected amount of additional cash available to a renter compared to the amount available to a homebuyer who buys a home today and sells the home at a specified time in the future. The calculator takes into account the unprecedented run-up in real home prices since 1997.

Description: Find out the answers to...What are young investors expected to pay for? What might it average on a monthly basis? Why not estimate the amount spent over a full year to arrive at the monthly average?

Description: Saving for college can be a tricky process. First, you need to decide what type of school the benefactor of this money will attend. Then, there are expenses beyond tuition. Books, materials, off-campus housing, food, etc. You also have to consider that as you save, prices will also increase.

Description: How much house can you afford? A house is a major investment that will greatly affect your financial future. Before you start shopping, be sure you know how much house you can afford.

Grade Levels: 6-8 and 9-12

Link:

Back to School Budgeting

Subject Area: Personal Finance

Description: Give your children hands-on experience with this quick and easy Back-to-School Budget Calculator. The calculator will help you and your student consider all of your expenses, make necessary adjustments, and hit the stores armed with your pre-determined budget! Check out the "Helpful Tips" for more ways to teach your kids smart money management habits as you shop.

Description: Preparing for a new addition? According to government estimates, the average middle-income family will spend roughly $10,000 on child-related expenses in the first two years of life ($8,000 for a second child), and some experts suggest that figure may be too low. Let us help you calculate your new budget plan for one-time and monthly expenses.